Fri., March 25: Jessica Lea Mayfield aligns with Nashville talents

Jessica Lea Mayfield is in a pretty crowded field these days as a country/folk-inspired indie-rock singer-songwriter.

Her staggering sophomore album, Tell Me, however, proves she’s not only one of the most unique young players on that field, but one of the best.

Chalk it up to a hypnotic, one-of-a-kind way with a poppy melody, along with bold, genre-jumping arrangements and starkly revealing lyrics.

The 21-year-old Ohioan’s gifts are strong enough for her to stand on her own, but she’s also wisely aligned with two Nashville rock talents. Tell Me producer Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys) earns frequent mention in Mayfield’s press, but no less of a light should be shined on local electric guitar whiz Richie Kirkpatrick, who adds dose of danger to Mayfield’s album and live shows.